OK. I NEED TO VENT.Does anyone else dread the blood tests ? My veins are shot post chemo and it hurts :( I always seem to get the nurse at the path place who is hopeless and has difficulty getting blood from me and leaves a big bruise.I always try to quietly ask for someone experienced because I have had previous traumatic experiences with giving blood, but today the hopeless nurse confronted me about it. I calmly tried to explain my history to her, but she just didn’t get it. Why should I have to explain myself?I swear, she must work there 24/7 and is always free when I get there!!!!!! I DONT NEED THIS :|

Oh I can relate. My good veins are on my bc side so can’t use them after axilla clearance. One good vein on non bc side has been stuck ( I counted) 28 times this year and cannulated 6 times. This week I had my 3 monthly CT and my trusty vein gave up. I lost it after a few attempts of shoving and manipulating and shed a few tears. I am so tired of all this. Then the waiting for the CT results. Aaahhh!!!

Oh dear, I am so sorry .... some blood people actually make Dracula ‘look good’!I had one where they missed the vein completely and squirted it into the tissue .... then had to try again in the vein! :( you are within your rights to ask to ask for someone goodalways make sure you are well hydrated before going in so the veins are as plump as they can be!! Even if you are nil by mouth ( but double check)

Good idea! They can only improve with feedback. Where I go there's one, I am of the view she needs a holiday, but I get her talking and her aggressive way seems to subside. All the others I've encountered are very good!

Yes in Melb hospital and family can visit. No limit on time or people now covid restrictions have lifted a bit.

:/ @FLClover thanks so much for that! Eeeek that sounds horrible :( I did think ‘ I cannot be the only one who experiences this!’As if we haven’t been through enough :/ Caz xxx

I HATE BLOOD TESTS | BCNA Online Network

43 Replies

Zoffiel
Member
5 years ago
@Caz1 still use the oncology unit for blood tests. I just ring then and ask if they can accommodate me. The only exception is fasting bloods on days when I am working in which case I can't wait for them to open. There are experts and there are pretenders. The onc folk are experts and can usually fit me in because I'm low care. It's also good to have BPs etc recorded at the same time . Mxx
Afraser
Member
5 years ago
It’s funny but training in taking blood tests and putting in canulas seems to be very spotty, even in the same hospital. Anaesthetists are good at it (not surprisingly) but I’ve twice had an anaesthetist called when a nurse couldn’t do it. Happily all the staff at day oncology were really good.
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
Much better @Caz1 😊. Good on you 👌🏻
Caz1
Member
5 years ago
So yesterday I rang and spoke to the manager. Said that I expected the phlebotomists to be more understanding and aware of what us cancer patients go through and why we go through it.

I don’t feel great about it. I won’t go back there but hopefully it helps someone who comes after me

Had a visit to my onco on Monday and she told me to come up to the hospital where her rooms are cos the girls there are great. Sounds like a plan. It’s only 15 mins away but I think it will be worth it. And I can have a nice wander down nearby the shopping strip afterwards . :)

love youse all

Cazxxxxxxxxxxx
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
I got jabbed today too, to check my thyroid levels. Routine test. Even though I’d read the comments about drinking lots of water before, I still forgot to do it. But today’s was possibly the least painful jab I’ve ever had, with very little bleeding and no bruising. She also found the vein straight away. I know this one though, she’s been working there for years so very experienced, phew! Next week Zoladex jab in stomach again, and so it continues...🙄
Keeping_positiv
Member
5 years ago
I have to have regular blood tests for my hypothyroidism and I make sure I drink a litre of water 10 minutes before I leave home to have the test. I have had a full auxilllary clearance in one arm, so I don't let them take it out of that arm, and haven't had a problem. The only time had a problem was when I had a trainee phlebotimist so now I request a fully trained operator. I also hate having the test, but I just have to put up with it, but has been ok, I just get them to take blood out of the arm that has had the less intervention.
Dory65
Member
5 years ago
WTF @Locksley,
You poor thing! Thank heavens they caught it in time. Wishing you a swift recovery and NO MORE crappy events. <3
Sister
Member
5 years ago
What a bugger @Locksley but good it was picked up.
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
Wishing you a quick recovery from
this @Locksley, and sending lots of healing energy. It’s been picked up and treatment already started 👌🏻. Let the tears and anger out, but stay strong 👊🏻. You’re a thriver 🍀♥️
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
@ddon Thankyou.